The United States deplores Russia’s suspension of its participation in the operations of the UN-mediated Black Sea Grain Initiative. We urge all parties to make this vital, life-saving initiative work.
The Black Sea Grain Initiative has already moved more than 9 million tons of food and lowered prices around the world, which is critical for low- and middle-income countries. It is a success and must be continued.
Any act by Russia to disrupt these crucial grain exports is essentially a statement that people and families around the world should pay more for food or go hungry. By suspending this arrangement, Russia is once again arming food in the war it started, directly affecting low- and middle-income countries and global food prices, exacerbating already severe humanitarian crises and food insecurity.
We urge the Russian government to resume its participation in the initiative, fully comply with the scheme and ensure that people around the world can continue to receive the benefits facilitated by the initiative.
